Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (gluten-free)

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is one of our favorite healthy comfort food dishes. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish packs in protein, flavor and always is our go-to for weeknight meal.

If you’re a fan of rich, creamy pasta dishes, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is bound to become a staple in your recipe rotation. It’s packed with flavor, featuring tender chicken seasoned to perfection, garlic-infused sauce, and the creamy goodness of Parmesan cheese—all tossed together with your favorite pasta. Plus, with the added bonus of being easily customizable for dietary preferences (this version uses gluten-free pasta), it’s a versatile meal that can be enjoyed by everyone. Let’s dive into the recipe and guide you step-by-step on how to create this mouth-watering dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

1. Simple and Quick – This recipe comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight meal that still feels indulgent and restaurant-quality.
2. Comforting and Flavorful – The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and creamy coconut milk creates a sauce that is rich and comforting, while the herbs add depth of flavor.
3. Customizable – You can easily adapt this recipe to your dietary preferences. Use gluten-free pasta, swap coconut milk for heavy cream if dairy isn’t an issue, or add extra veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes.
4. Leftover-Friendly – This pasta tastes just as good the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently with a splash of milk or pasta water to revive the creamy sauce.

What ingredients you need to make this garlic parmesan chicken pasta:

• Boneless chicken breasts – these are the protein backbone of the dish, providing tender, juicy bites in every forkful.
• Garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano – These dried herbs and spices will enhance the chicken with a savory, aromatic profile that complements the garlic and Parmesan flavors.
• Extra virgin olive oil – Used both for cooking the chicken and sautéing the aromatics, this healthy fat will add richness to the dish.
• Pasta of choice – I used this gluten-free one. Choose your favorite pasta, whether it’s traditional wheat or a gluten-free alternative. For this recipe, a gluten-free pasta was used, but feel free to go with your preference. Shapes like fettuccine, penne, or linguine work well to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Unsalted butter – Butter adds a silky texture to the sauce and enhances the flavor of the garlic and shallots.
• Garlic cloves – Fresh garlic is key to getting that bold, aromatic flavor that defines this pasta.
• Shallot – Shallots bring a delicate sweetness and mild onion flavor that perfectly complements the garlic.
• Full-fat coconut milk – For a dairy-free twist, coconut milk adds creaminess and richness to the sauce without overpowering the Parmesan flavor.
• Parmesan cheese – The star ingredient of the sauce, Parmesan, gives it that irresistible umami flavor and creaminess.

How to make this creamy chicken pasta:

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to cook this flavorful and indulgent pasta dish. This recipe is straightforward and can be completed in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a special dinner at home.

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

Start by seasoning the boneless chicken breasts. In a large mixing bowl, combine your chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Add one tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture and toss until the chicken is evenly coated.

Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is browned on the outside and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The exterior should have a lovely golden crust, while the inside remains juicy.

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook according to the package instructions until al dente—firm to the bite but not undercooked. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. The starchy pasta water will help bind the sauce later and make it extra creamy.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Using the same skillet you cooked the chicken in, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and starts to bubble, add the minced garlic and chopped shallot. Sauté the garlic and shallot for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally until fragrant and soft but not browned. This step helps release the aromatic oils in the garlic and shallots, giving the sauce a strong foundation of flavor.

After the aromatics are softened, pour in ½ cup of the reserved pasta water and the full-fat coconut milk. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce cook for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing it to slightly reduce and thicken. The coconut milk will make the sauce velvety and rich without the need for heavy cream.

Step 4: Add Parmesan Cheese and Seasonings

Once the sauce has thickened slightly, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and integrated into the sauce, creating a creamy texture. The Parmesan will also add a nutty, salty richness to the sauce.

Add the dried basil along with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine the herbs and seasonings into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can gradually add more pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Chicken

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss the pasta until it’s well coated with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Make sure every piece of pasta is covered in that delicious sauce.

Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken back into the skillet, and toss everything together until the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the pasta.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Your creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is now ready to serve! Garnish with a little extra Parmesan cheese on top if you like (who can resist more cheese?), and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color.

Serve the pasta warm and enjoy the rich, savory flavors of garlic, Parmesan, and tender chicken in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, this pasta dish is sure to be a hit.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use a different type of milk instead of coconut milk?

Yes! If you’re not concerned about keeping the dish dairy-free, you can substitute full-fat coconut milk with heavy cream, half-and-half, or even whole milk. Just note that using dairy-based milk will make the sauce creamier, whereas coconut milk adds a hint of sweetness and a light texture.

2. What’s the best pasta to use for this dish?

Any pasta shape works well with this recipe, but it’s best to use pasta that holds sauce well, such as fettuccine, penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. If you’re gluten-free, there are plenty of great gluten-free pasta options that will pair beautifully with the creamy sauce.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this ahead of time, but it’s best served fresh. If making ahead, you can store the pasta and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk, cream, or pasta water to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy.

5. What if I don’t have shallots?

If you don’t have shallots, you can substitute them with finely chopped yellow onion or red onion. Shallots have a milder flavor, but onions will work just fine as an alternative.

6. How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stovetop, or in the microwave. Add a little bit of milk, pasta water, or broth to the pasta when reheating to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or dry.

7. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! If you have pre-cooked chicken, like leftover grilled or roasted chicken, you can absolutely use it. Just skip the step of cooking the chicken and add it in when you toss everything together. Warm the chicken in the sauce so it soaks up all the flavors.

Tips for Making the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta:

1. Season the Chicken Generously

Don’t skimp on the spices when seasoning your chicken. The garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, and oregano provide a well-rounded flavor to the chicken that will shine through in every bite. Marinate the chicken for 15-30 minutes if you have extra time to allow the flavors to develop more fully.

2. Use Fresh Garlic for Maximum Flavor

Fresh garlic is essential for giving this pasta its signature taste. Pre-minced garlic from a jar won’t pack the same punch, so it’s worth taking the extra time to mince fresh garlic cloves for a bold, aromatic flavor.

3. Don’t Overcook the Chicken

Cook the chicken just until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Overcooking can result in dry, tough chicken. If you’re worried about overcooking, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing also helps retain moisture.

4. Reserve Pasta Water

Be sure to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. The starchy pasta water helps emulsify the sauce, making it silky and smooth. It can also thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick after adding the cheese. Add it gradually until you reach the desired consistency.

5. Balance the Sauce Consistency

The key to a creamy but not-too-thick sauce is controlling the amount of liquid. Coconut milk provides a rich base, but if you find the sauce too thick after adding Parmesan, add a little more pasta water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken.

6. Add Greens or Extra Veggies

For a burst of color and added nutrition, stir in some fresh spinach, kale, or even roasted broccoli or zucchini into the pasta at the end. If adding fresh greens like spinach, stir them in after combining the pasta with the sauce so they wilt just slightly from the heat.

A few other delicious pasta recipes to make:

Marry Me Chicken Pasta (gluten-free)

One Pot Creamy Pasta (gluten-free)

The Easiest No-Boil Baked Pasta Recipe (gluten-free)

Roasted Tomato Zucchini and Feta Pasta (gluten-free)